Olivia Colman Discusses Gender Pay Gap in Hollywood
Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman recently made candid remarks about the prevailing gender pay gap in the Hollywood film industry. Colman stated that if she were a man, her compensation would be significantly higher. Colman spoke out about the issue on CNN’s The Amanpour Hour on Saturday, March 23.
Women Actresses as Box Office Draws
During her interview, Colman criticized the age-old argument that male actors attract more audience members, which has been the basis for their high remuneration rates. “Research suggests that [women] were always big box office draws,” said the 50-year-old The Crown actress. She further added, “That hasn’t been true for decades, but they still like to use that as an excuse not to pay women as much as their male counterparts.”
Oscar-Winning Actress Still Faces Pay Gap
When question host Christiane Amanpour questioned Colman about her own experiences as an Academy Award-winning actress, she replied, “I’m very aware that if I was Oliver Colman, I’d be earning a f–k of a lot more than I am.” She further highlighted an instance where she encountered a staggering 12,000 percent pay disparity.
Notable Roles and Honors
Colman is an acclaimed actress known for her riveting performances in numerous projects across film and television. She bagged the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2019 for her role in The Favourite. Her career includes other notable works like Heartstopper, Fleabag, The Crown, and the upcoming film Wicked Little Letters, set to hit the theaters on March 29.
Other Actresses Expressing Similar Concerns
Colman joins a growing list of actresses voicing their concerns about Hollywood’s gender pay gap. Taraji P. Henson, for instance, nearly declined a role in The Color Purple due to pay disparity, while Michelle Williams was embroiled in the controversy when it was revealed that her compensation for All the Money in the World reshoots was a measly sum compared to co-star Mark Wahlberg’s $1.5 million package. Henson and Williams, like Colman, have publicly stated their objective to narrow the remuneration difference between male and female actors in the industry.
Wrapping Up
The conversation around gender pay gap is gaining traction in Hollywood, with renowned actresses like Colman leading the charge for equitable pay. It remains to be seen how this openly confrontational strategy impacts the future earnings for female artists in the industry. For more updates on Hollywood’s pay disparity issue and other entertainment news, visit HitPlay.